A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 29 Defeat
Gu Xu gave Song Qingshu an approving look. "Not bad, you really understand it. If you can do this with a wooden sword, the power of this sword technique will be much stronger if you use a divine weapon and internal energy. If you can master this sword technique, you will be considered a master in the martial arts world."

In the path of martial arts cultivation, if one is not exceptionally gifted, mastering even one set of martial arts in a lifetime is already considered a mastery. If one tries to learn too much, one will end up with nothing, failing to master any skill and ultimately becoming mediocre.

Moreover, Gu Xu always believed that internal strength cultivation was the foundation, while techniques were merely means. With high internal strength, even the most basic sword moves would not be underestimated. Conversely, no matter how exquisite your moves were, I could break them with my own strength.

Therefore, Gu Xucai has been having the three of them focus solely on internal energy cultivation, and they are now beginning to see results. In four or five years, Song Qingshu and Zhang Wuji will surpass Wei Bi in their progress.

"Senior brother, I understand. I will focus my energy on cultivating my internal strength from now on." Song Qingshu had previously focused more on sword techniques, which slowed down his progress in internal strength. Now that he has realized this, he will correct his mistake in the future.

"Wuji, is there anything you don't understand in your cultivation?" Gu Xu noticed that Zhang Wuji was hesitant to speak and was worried that there might be a problem in his cultivation.

"Senior brother, when I'm practicing internal energy, I always feel that it's too smooth. I don't know if it's good or bad." Zhang Wuji heard from other senior brothers that internal energy cultivation is a skill that requires constant practice and it may be difficult to make progress even in one or two years, but he doesn't seem to have this obstacle.

Upon hearing this, Gu Xu checked Zhang Wuji's body and found that his internal energy was abundant and his meridians were fully open. After sensing Gu Xu's internal energy, Zhang Wuji's internal energy circulated spontaneously and quickly dissipated the trace of external internal energy.

Withdrawing his hand, Gu Xu said with a smile, "Wuji, don't worry. You have excellent aptitude, so your progress will be faster. However, if you are worried, you can slow down a bit, refine your true qi, and solidify your foundation."

After saying that, he told him the method of refining true qi. Zhang Wuji thanked him and secretly memorized it.

After instructing the three for half a day, Gu Xu left the back mountain and returned to his residence. He took out paper and pen and began to write down his experiences in cultivating the Pure Yang Profound Art. Before he knew it, the sun was setting and there were dozens of sheets of paper filled with writing on his desk.

Time passed slowly, and Gu Xu finally put down his brush. The Xuan paper was already spread all over the table. He was quite satisfied and arranged it according to the number he had written down beforehand. He would hand it over to his senior uncle when he returned.

Jiangnan Tianying Sect Headquarters
After Bright Peak was breached, the remaining high-ranking members of the Ming Cult settled here. Among those who suffered the most from this calamity, Yang Xiao was the one who was most distressed.

Originally, Xie Xun had retired from the martial world, and Yang Xiao was the only candidate to become the leader. However, after only three years as the leader, his stronghold was breached, which was a resounding slap in the face. From Bright Peak to Jiangnan, Yang Xiao's face remained grim.

“Master, Bat King and the others have already been buried. You are the master. If even you are dejected, how can your men be expected to recover? At least our power still exists. When the time is right, we will settle this blood debt with the Tartars.” Monk Peng had to remind Yang Xiao that since arriving here, he had been listless. If this continued, the Ming Cult would be leaderless and would really fall apart.

Yang Xiao had always wanted to pull himself together, but the thought of the tragic scene at Bright Peak, of his brothers who had been with him day and night dying tragically beside him, flashed through his mind like a revolving lantern every night before he fell asleep. He didn't know how long he could hold on. When Monk Peng said these words of encouragement, Yang Xiao could only smile bitterly and shake his head.

As the two were talking, someone came to deliver a message: the Eagle King invited them to the hall, saying he had something to discuss.

Upon hearing this, Yang Xiao and Monk Peng didn't think much of it, simply saying "I understand" before heading towards the main hall.

As soon as Yang Xiao entered the hall, he noticed that in addition to Yin Tianzheng, Fan Yao and others, Song Yuanqiao, Zhang Songxi and Yin Liting were also there. After exchanging greetings, everyone sat down.

Yin Tianzheng said to Song Yuanqiao, "Hero Song, Leader Yang and the others have arrived. If you have anything to say, you can say it now."

Song Yuanqiao nodded, "Fourth brother, you should talk to Eagle King and Master Yang."

Zhang Songxi stood up, bowed respectfully, and said loudly, "Gentlemen, I will be frank with you. Wudang is offering your sect a great gift that can resolve your current predicament."

"Why do you say that, Zhang Sixiaman? And what is this 'gift'?" Monk Peng asked, puzzled.

Yang Xiao, Yin Tianzheng, and the others were also puzzled. The Ming Cult's current predicament could not be solved by the help of just a few people. However, seeing that the three from Wudang did not seem to be faking it, they listened attentively.

"Wudang has stumbled upon a remarkable book of military strategy, containing numerous secret techniques for troop deployment and formation. With this in hand, your sect must greatly need it."

"The military book that Zhang Sixia mentioned is..." Yang Xiao had also read many military books and was worried that Zhang Songxi was referring to one that he had already read, which would be somewhat awkward.

"The Legacy of Yue Fei," Zhang Songxi said, enunciating each word clearly.

"The Legacy of Yue Fei!" Yang Xiao jumped up in surprise, staring at Zhang Songxi, while Yin Tianzheng's expression also changed drastically, his hands gripping the handrail tightly.

Among the Five Wanderers, the Cloth Bag Monk was somewhat puzzled and whispered to Monk Peng, "Monk, what's the origin of this book? Why are the Eagle King and the Cult Leader so excited?"

Monk Peng sighed, “This book is a military treasure, left behind by Yue Fei. He fought against the Jin army throughout his life and fought countless battles. He wrote all his military strategies and ingenious plans in this book. It was said that the great hero Guo Jing was able to defend Xiangyang for several years because he obtained this book. I thought that this book had been lost with the great hero Guo Jing’s death, but I did not expect it to fall into the hands of the Wudang Sect.”

Upon hearing this, Shuobude's eyes widened. After a moment's thought, he realized how powerful the book was. He glanced at Yang Xiao and thought to himself, "I must accept this favor this time."

As expected, Yang Xiao desperately wanted this book, not only to solidify his position, but also to boost morale. With it, he could practice military formations and avenge his blood feud if he encountered the Tartars in the future.

After much thought, Yang Xiao cupped his hands and said, "On behalf of my sect, I thank you all from Wudang."

"Master Yang, there's no need for such formalities. Actually, Wudang's gift of the book has its own ulterior motives. Firstly, this book is useless to our sect; keeping it at Wudang would be a waste of its potential. Secondly, it's for Wudang's future. If your sect declines, the Central Plains will suffer, and Wudang won't be able to escape unscathed," Song Yuanqiao stated his thoughts directly, thus preventing the Ming Cult members from making wild guesses about Wudang's intentions. What Song Yuanqiao didn't mention was that Wudang also kept a handwritten copy.

Yang Xiao was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, then smiled and said, "The heroes of Wudang are all upright and honest, it is Yang Xiao who is in the wrong." Yang Xiao had indeed considered Wudang's intentions, but he did not expect Song Yuanqiao to be so straightforward, which made him seem like he was judging others by his own petty standards.

Song Yuanqiao took out the "Wumu's Legacy" from the package and handed it to Yang Xiao. The latter took it and looked at it for a while, his eyes growing brighter and brighter, and he kept praising it.

After a short while, Yang Xiao skimmed through the book and then handed it to Yin Tianzheng. Looking at Yang Xiao's sincere eyes, the latter finally accepted it.

The Five Wanderers and Fan Yao exchanged a glance. The latter shook his head slightly. In fact, Fan Yao could roughly guess Yang Xiao's thoughts. Now that they were living under someone else's roof, if Yang Xiao took the item for himself, even if Yin Tianzheng didn't care, he would inevitably have a grudge. In that case, before they could kill many Tartars, their own internal situation would start to fall apart again. The best option at present was to join forces with the Sky Eagle Sect to fight the enemy. As for how things would develop in the future, that would depend on who was more cunning.

Yin Tianzheng casually flipped through the document a few times, then handed it to Li Tianyuan, who understood and left.

"Esteemed heroes, you have come from afar. I, Yin, should do my best to be your host. Leader Yang should also come along."

Neither Song Yuanqiao nor Yang Xiao objected, so Yin Tianzheng ordered a banquet to be set up in the hall. The guests and hosts enjoyed themselves immensely. When the banquet was about to end, Yin Tianzheng returned the "Wumu Legacy" to Yang Xiao.

The next day, Song Yuanqiao bid farewell to Yin Tianzheng, saying that the martial arts world was in turmoil and that other sects had been attacked to varying degrees, urging him to be careful. Yin Tianzheng thanked him and watched the three depart. "Junior brother," Yin Tianzheng said, "train your men according to the methods in the book to prepare for future changes. If I'm not mistaken, Yang Xiao will come to say goodbye today." Yin Tianzheng's thinking was correct. After obtaining the "Wumu Legacy," Yang Xiao's previously gloomy and lifeless aura vanished, and he prepared to contact his old subordinates, reorganize his forces, and fight the Tartars to the death in the future.

“Yang Xiao is indeed a remarkable person, but he is too arrogant and domineering. He bears undeniable responsibility for the disastrous defeat at Bright Peak, and even Zhou Dian’s death seems to be related to him…” Li Tianyuan stopped speaking under Yin Tianzheng’s gaze.

"Don't say that anymore. Now that the Eagle Sect has separated from the Ming Cult, let them handle their own affairs. We should try not to interfere." With Wei Yixiao dead, there was no one left in the entire Ming Cult who would talk to him.

As expected, Yang Xiao and the others bid farewell to Yin Tianzheng and prepared to rebuild in the north. Not only did the latter not stop them, but he also sent them some supplies.

Time flies, and four years have passed in the blink of an eye. Several major events have occurred in the martial arts world.

Qian Fangyi, the ninth elder of the Beggars' Sect, actually defected to the Yuan Dynasty and conspired with Chen Youliang to murder the sect leader Shi Huolong. In the end, the plot was exposed, and Qian Fangyi was killed by a woman in yellow. Chen Youliang disappeared without a trace, while Shi Huolong's daughter, Shi Hongshi, ascended to the position of sect leader with the help of the woman in yellow.

Shaolin's Kongwen and Emei's Miejue personally went to Wudang. The three sects joined forces to issue a kill order in the martial arts world. Kunlun, Huashan, and Kongtong responded one after another. Among them, there were as many as thirty-two people on the list. All of these people secretly surrendered to the Yuan court.

In just three years, these scoundrels of the martial arts world were almost wiped out by the six major sects who attacked in anger. The rest were like stray dogs, living in constant fear. Among them, the "Three Heroes of Hengyang," who ranked first, were personally killed by Song Yuanqiao, Kong Wen, and Abbess Miejue, and their heads were hung directly in front of the Ruyang Prince's Mansion.

Under Yang Xiao's leadership, the Ming Cult practiced military drills and clashed with the Tartars several times, with each side winning and losing. However, to discerning people, the Yuan court could hardly succeed without the help of those martial arts figures and relying solely on the palace's support. Moreover, the elite troops were tied down by the Ming Cult, leaving them unable to attend to other matters, and uprisings on all sides were becoming increasingly difficult to suppress.

The Purple-Robed Dragon King appeared in the martial world, venturing alone to Emei Mountain, but was defeated by Abbess Miejue. His last appearance was in Butterfly Valley, but after she left, Butterfly Valley turned into a sea of ​​fire.

Wudang Mountain

Hu Qingniu was originally an unruly man who hated etiquette the most, but he had a different feeling after traveling all the way from the foot of the mountain.

The Wudang disciples were all humble and courteous, displaying remarkable spirit, which made him marvel at how extraordinary the major sects of the time truly were.

"Greetings, esteemed heroes," Hu Qingniu and Wang Nangu entered the hall and bowed respectfully upon seeing Song Yuanqiao and the others.

"No need for formalities, please sit down and talk. It was my nephew's suggestion that we invite you up the mountain. I hope you won't take offense." Gu Xu had mentioned to Song Yuanqiao that Hu Qingniu and his wife were highly skilled in medicine. If they stayed in Butterfly Valley for the rest of their lives, wouldn't it be a waste of all their knowledge? Moreover, now that war has broken out, it's hard to guarantee that Butterfly Valley won't suffer. Wudang is still relatively safe now, so inviting them up the mountain is a way to save their lives and keep them useful.

"As Master Gu Xu has already said in his letter, I am not an ungrateful person. I will certainly do my utmost to contribute my life's knowledge to overthrowing the Tartars."

In fact, Hu Qingniu also had some selfish motives. Apart from saving his own life, his only concern was his successor. Gu Xu mentioned in his letter that Zhang Wuji and Song Qingshu were both exceptionally intelligent and had photographic memories, so they could be his successors. What moved him the most was that Gu Xu promised to print the "Medical Classic" once the situation stabilized, so that he could be remembered in history.

Song Yuanqiao nodded and sent someone to take him to Gu Xu's residence. "Now that Hu Qingniu and his wife are here, those injured and sick people can see some hope."

The continuous battles meant that the number of dead and wounded was just a number. The Wudang Sect built a clinic at the foot of the mountain to treat the wounded. In fact, it wasn't just the Wudang Sect; other sects also did their best to help. Zhu Wu Lianhuan Manor would send a large amount of medicinal herbs every three months, which greatly relieved the pressure on Wudang.

Back mountain
When Hu Qingniu first saw Gu Xu, he felt that the other party's presence was very vague, and guessed that the other party must have greatly improved his skills and was no longer beyond his comprehension.

"Please sit down, Senior Hu," Gu Xu said with a smile, without the slightest arrogance. This made Hu Qingniu relax a little, since he always felt an invisible pressure in front of him, making him very uncomfortable.

"Senior, you may not know this, but the moment you arrived at Wudang Mountain, Butterfly Valley was burned down," Hu Qingniu said, jumping up in shock as he sat down, his face changing drastically. "Could it have been the Tartars who burned it?"

“They’re not Tartars. In fact, they’re members of your sect, and not just any ordinary people. They’re none other than the Purple-Robed Dragon King, one of the four great Dharma Protectors of the sect back then,” Gu Xu said slowly, while Hu Qingniu’s face turned extremely ugly.

"I never thought that what happened back then would make her hold a grudge to this day. Alas," Hu Qingniu felt that fate was playing tricks on him. Back then, the Purple-Robed Dragon King asked him to treat Han Qianye's cold poison because Han Qianye, an outsider, had betrayed the sect. Hu Qingniu was in a fit of anger and ignored him, which led to Han Qianye's death. This made the Purple-Robed Dragon King resent him. If it weren't for Xie Xun and Fan Yao, he probably would have died back then.

They secretly rejoiced at their good fortune; if Gu Xu hadn't sent someone to invite them, the couple would surely have met their demise.

"Does Master Gu Xu have any information about her whereabouts?"

"Some people saw her sail out to sea, but she has disappeared without a trace; she may have already left the Central Plains."

Hu Qingniu remained silent. Gu Xu did not want to judge what happened back then; focusing on the future was the most important thing.

"How much longer are you two going to stand outside? Come in!" Gu Xu shouted to the outside.

The young Song Qingshu and Zhang Wuji carefully pushed open the door and said with cautious smiles, "Senior Brother."

"Senior, these are the two men I mentioned in my letter: Song Qingshu, the only son of my eldest grand-uncle, and Zhang Wuji, the only son of my fifth grand-uncle. Why don't you come and pay your respects?"

Song and Zhang bowed respectfully to Hu Qingniu, who looked at them and found them to be young and talented. After asking them a few more questions, he was quite satisfied.

"I didn't prepare any gifts before coming, so I'll give you these two Hundred Herbs Detoxification Pills," Hu Qingniu said, pouring two pills from a porcelain bottle close to his body. As soon as he took them out, the room was filled with the fragrance of medicine. One whiff of it cleared their minds. The two knew that these were good things, but they still glanced at Gu Xu.

Hu Qingniu said irritably, "Do I need his permission to give you things?" Gu Xu smiled and said, "Since it's from a senior, then accept it and don't let the senior's kindness go to waste."

The two carefully put the items away. Seeing this, Gu Xu asked, "Senior, do you think they are suitable? If they are, please let them learn from you."

"That's fine then. I'll have to trouble Daoist Gu Xu to take care of me for the next while."

"You're too kind, senior."

As they were talking, a carrier pigeon landed on the window. Song Qingshu was one step ahead of Zhang Wuji, caught the pigeon, and handed a note to Gu Xu.

Upon opening the note, it read: "The Prince of Ruyang's army suffered a defeat at Fenghuoling, and all 50,000 elite troops were annihilated."

(End of this chapter)